"To Ray, no need was too small or too trivial. He knew that he reported to the people and not other way around," said former Gov. John Lynch. "That's an important lesson all people in public service understand."

Dozens of state and local leaders attended. A portrait titled "The Public Servant" was unveiled to remind people of his work

"For nearly 40 years, Ray Burton stood up for and fought for the people of the North Country with a passion that can never be matched," said Gov. Maggie Hassan.

Burton was the executive councilor for all but one term since 1977.

He passed away on Nov. 12 after battling cancer.

The memorial service took place at Plymouth State University, where he served as a faculty member.